Assistance Animal Laws

[Louise429]

For future reference, are there any laws against interfering with assistance animals (for example, distracting a working assistance animal) for Australia or New South Wales? I have tried searching online but can only find American laws.

 

[Tim W]

Why do you ask?

 

[Louise429]

Because I am currently training an assistance dog and want to know if there are ways I can stop people from petting, distracting and interfering with the dog's work and training (this has already happened multiple times so I want to know if I can take any action against the people who interfere with my dog)

Why do you ask?

 

[Docupedia]

None that I can find. That doesn’t mean that common law action couldn’t potentially be taken, but it would be a harder prospect.

 

[Atticus]

I am currently training an assistance dog and want to know if there are ways I can stop people from petting, distracting and interfering with the dog's work and training

Have you tried using a badge or sign similar to those pictured HERE

Could have a similar one made up if they are not available to purchase.

 

[Louise429]

None that I can find. That doesn’t mean that common law action couldn’t potentially be taken, but it would be a harder prospect.

Ok thank you!!

 

[Tim W]

Because I am currently training an assistance dog...

If you're training it yourself (not as part of a program by an accredited provider)
then it makes no difference.
In a DIY scenario, your animal is a companion animal.
It's not a service animal, in the way, say, that a Guide Dog is.